Learn & Share Conference Calls
Education and Support are Just a Phone Call Away
Two common needs among people with epilepsy and their families are the need for up-to-date information on epilepsy and support from others who are coping with the condition. Often, however, lack of transportation, fear of having a seizure, and other factors make it difficult to attend support groups and other community events. In response, Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan's Learn & Share Conference Calls provide an opportunity to both gain knowledge about epilepsy and related issues and share experiences to help others.
Interested individuals can participate in monthly Learn & Share Conference Calls by calling a phone number and entering the conference ID. You can learn more about each call and register online by clicking on "REGISTER" below. You can also contact Russ Derry (800-377-6226 ext. 1302) to register (recommended if you want to register for multiple calls).
While we'd prefer you to register, you can still participate if you haven't registered. Just call the following dial-in number at the start time for the call, and enter the conference ID when prompted*:
Dial-in #: 1-774-220-4000
Conference ID: 926764
Conference ID: 926764
* Long-distance charges may apply. Please check with your phone or cellular provider.
2021
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | Register |
| February 3 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Caregiving: Reflections and Resources |
Anna & Wes Semelbauer – parents of child with epilepsy Chris Randolph – father of young adult with epilepsy Jeri Lauer – wife of husband with epilepsy Jacki Karns – caregiver of parent with epilepsy |
LISTEN |
| March 3 noon - 1:30 pm |
Navigating and Improving Our System of Epilepsy Care |
Chloe Hill, MD, MS – Epileptologist Michigan Medicine |
Register |
| April 7 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Ketogenic Metabolic Therapies for Epilepsy |
Anastasia Luniova, MD - Pediatric Epileptologist Helen DeVos Children's Hospital |
Register |
| May 5 noon - 1:30 pm |
Epilepsy and Intellectual Disability |
Beata Ruprecht, DO - Pediatric Epileptologist Ascension Hussam Shaker, MD - Epileptologist Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences |
Register |
| June 2 noon - 1:30 pm |
Public Policy Advocacy to Benefit the Epilepsy Community |
Laura Weidner, Esq. - VP, Government Relations & Advocacy Epilepsy Foundation Rachel Patterson - Senior Director, Government Relations & Advocacy Epilepsy Foundation |
Register |
| July 7 12:00 - 1:30 pm |
Program Spotlight: Children's Special Health Care Services |
Lisa Huckleberry - Parent Consultant Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs |
Register |
| August 4 noon - 1:30 pm |
Psychiatric Medications and Epilepsy |
Gregory Barkley, MD - Epileptologist Henry Ford Health System Jules Constantinou, MD - Pediatric Epileptologist Henry Ford Health System |
Register |
| September 1 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Integrative Medicine in the Management of Epilepsy |
Tyson Burghardt, MD - Epileptologist Michigan State University |
Register |
| October 6 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Managing Your Epilepsy: Transition Tips for Teens |
Aubrey Brown – young adult with epilepsy Matthew Summerfield – young adult with epilepsy Miguel Teran – young adult with epilepsy Ashley Vader – young adult with epilepsy |
Register |
| November 13 |
Wellness & Epilepsy Conference |
No Learn & Share Conference Call scheduled |
|
| December 1 noon - 1:30 pm |
Staying Safe with Seizures |
Erica Austin, DO - Epileptologist Traverse City, MI |
Register |
2020
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | Register |
| February 5 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Shared Decision Making for Improved Epilepsy Care |
Bev Crider – Founder and CEO Patient & Family Partnerships, Inc. |
LISTEN |
| March 4 noon - 1:30 pm |
Pregnancy and Parenting with Epilepsy |
Deepti Zutshi, MD – epileptologist DMC Harper University Hospital |
LISTEN |
| April 1 noon - 1:30 pm |
You're Not Alone: Combating Social Isolation |
Panel of people living with epilepsy |
LISTEN |
| May 6 noon - 1:30 pm |
Social Security Disability Benefits: Getting On and Off |
Takeya Haugabook – Public Affairs Specialist Social Security Administration |
LISTEN |
| June 3 noon - 1:30 pm |
Rescue Medications for Epilepsy |
Louis Dang, MD, PhD – pediatric epileptologist Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital |
LISTEN |
| July 1 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Epilepsy & Employment: How Vocational Rehabilitation Can Help |
Jovan Bayne – Vocational Rehab Counselor Michigan Rehabilitation Services |
LISTEN |
| August 5 noon - 1:30 pm |
The Role of Genetics in Epilepsy Diagnosis and Treatment |
Danielle Nolan, MD – pediatric epileptologist Beaumont Children’s Hospital |
LISTEN |
| September 2 noon - 1:30 pm |
The Pipeline: What’s New in Epilepsy Research and Therapy Development |
Erin Okazaki, MD – epileptologist Spectrum Health |
LISTEN |
| October 7 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
What Was That? Differential Diagnosis of Epilepsy |
Daniela Minecan, MD - epileptologist Michigan Medicine |
LISTEN |
| November 21 |
Wellness & Epilepsy Conference |
No Learn & Share Conference Call scheduled |
|
| December 2 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Seizure Triggers: Identification and Management |
Shailaja Gaddam, MD – epileptologist Henry Ford Health System |
LISTEN |
2019
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | Register |
| February 6 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Deep Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy |
Jason Schwalb, MD - neurosurgeon Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Program |
LISTEN |
| March 6 noon - 1:30 pm |
Disability Laws: Your Rights in Education, Employment, and Beyond |
Mark McWilliams, Attorney Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. |
LISTEN |
| April 3 noon - 1:30 pm |
Epilepsy in Infants and Toddlers |
Renee Shellhaas, MD – pediatric epileptologist Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children's Hospital |
LISTEN |
| May 1 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Headache & Epilepsy |
Lalitha Sivaswamy, MD – pediatric neurologist Children’s Hospital of Michigan |
LISTEN |
| June 5 noon - 1:30 pm |
EEG 101 |
Ryan Keating, DO – epileptologist Kimberly Patterson, R.EEGT – neurodiagnostic technologist Michigan State University |
LISTEN |
| July 10 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Autism & Epilepsy |
Elizabeth Leleszi, MD - pediatric neurologist Beaumont Children's |
LISTEN |
| August 7 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Brain Injury & Epilepsy |
Yanny Phillips, DO, PhD - epileptologist Bronson Neuroscience Center |
LISTEN |
| September 4 noon - 1:30 pm |
Epilepsy & Emotional Wellbeing |
Elissa Patterson, PhD – health psychologist Najda Robinson-Mayer, MSW – clinical social worker Michigan Medicine |
LISTEN Additional Resources |
| October 2 noon - 1:30 pm |
Assessing and Addressing Cognitive Function in Epilepsy |
Evan Tank, DO – epileptologist Spectrum Health Velisa Johnson, PhD – pediatric neuropsychologist Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital |
LISTEN |
| November 9 |
Wellness & Epilepsy Conference |
No Learn & Share Conference Call scheduled | |
| December 5 noon - 1:30 pm |
Medication Side Effects |
Maysaa Basha, MD - epileptologist DMC Harper University Hospital |
LISTEN |
2018
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | Register |
| February 7 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Epilepsy Surgery: Resection, Disconnection, and Ablation |
Ellen Air, MD – neurosurgeon Christopher Parres, MD – epileptologist Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Program |
LISTEN |
| March 7 6:00 - 7:00 pm |
Public Benefits and Supports for Adults with Epilepsy |
Thomas F. Kendziorski, Esq., Executive Director The Arc of Oakland County, Inc. |
LISTEN |
| April 4 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Epilepsy in Older Adults |
Rohit Marawar, MD – epileptologist DMC Harper University Hospital |
LISTEN |
| May 2 noon - 1:30 pm |
The Nature of Epilepsy: from Causes to Consequences |
John Bunka, DO – epileptologist Bronson Neuroscience Center |
LISTEN |
| June 6 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Transition Planning: Considerations for Teens with Epilepsy |
Rajkumar Agarwal, MD – epileptologist Children’s Hospital of Michigan Jill Mazur Skornicka - parent mentor Michigan Alliance for Families Mitch and Janet Weisz - parents of young adult with epilepsy Michelle Brunsch - parent of young adult with epilepsy |
LISTEN |
| July 11 noon - 1:30 pm |
Smartphone Apps and Online Tools for Managing Epilepsy WEBINAR – preregister for details |
John Hixson, MD – epileptologist UCSF School of Medicine |
WATCH |
| August 1 noon - 1:30 pm |
Navigating Health Insurance |
Amy Miilu – Health Insurance Resource Specialist Department of Insurance and Financial Services |
LISTEN |
| September 5 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Neuromodulation for Epilepsy: VNS, RNS, and Beyond |
David Burdette, MD – epileptologist Spectrum Health |
LISTEN |
| October 3 noon - 1:30 pm |
Sleeping Well with Epilepsy |
Timothy Hoban, MD – pediatric epileptologist and sleep specialist Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital |
LISTEN |
| November 10 |
Wellness & Epilepsy Conference |
No Learn & Share Conference Call scheduled |
|
| December 5 6:00 - 7:30 pm |
Childhood Epilepsy Syndromes: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis |
Alexandra Shaw, MD – pediatric epileptologist Beaumont Children’s Hospital |
LISTEN |
2017
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | Register |
| February 1 |
Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Evaluation |
Eishi Asano - MD, PhD - pediatric epileptologist Amy Luat, MD - pediatric epileptologist Children's Hospital of Michigan |
LISTEN |
| March 1 |
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) |
Orrin Devinsky, MD - epileptologist NYU Langone Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Kellie Jankowski, GC-C - support & community program coordinator SUDEP Institute, Epilepsy Foundation |
LISTEN |
| April 5 |
Cannabis for Epilepsy |
Gregory Barkley, MD - epileptologist Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center |
LISTEN |
| May 3 |
Accessing Appropriate Epilepsy Care |
Linda Selwa, MD - epileptologist University of Michigan Health System Jane Turner, MD - pediatrician Michigan Department of Health & Human Services |
LISTEN |
| June 7 |
Management of Status Epilepticus |
Donald Phillips, MD – pediatric epileptologist Beaumont Children’s Hospital Nikesh Ardeshna, MD – epileptologist Beaumont Neurosciences |
LISTEN |
| July 5 |
Strategies and Tools for Managing Cognitive Problems |
Michael Wolff, PsyD, ABPdN – neuropsychologist BRAINS Amy Peterson – adult with epilepsy and parent of child with epilepsy |
LISTEN |
| August 2 |
Seizure Types and Classifications |
Erica Austin, DO - epileptologist Traverse City, MI |
LISTEN |
| October 4 |
The Ketogenic Diet: It's Not Just for Kids Anymore |
Jennifer Fillenworth, RD - clinical dietitian Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences |
LISTEN |
| December 6 |
Epilepsy and Relationships |
Courtney L. Kowalczyk, MS – pediatric psychologist Horizons Developmental Resource Center Andrea Thomas, MA LLP – psychologist Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center |
LISTEN |
2016
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | Register |
| February 3 |
Appropriate Treatment of Localization-related Epilepsy WEBINAR |
Jason Schwalb, MD - neurosurgeon Henry Ford Health System |
VIEW |
| March 2 |
Maximizing Independence with Epilepsy |
Amber Vondra - transition coordinator Disability Advocates of Kent County Susan Woolner - patient support coordinator Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences |
LISTEN |
| April 6 |
Epilepsy and the Immune System |
Mitchel Williams, MD, PhD - pediatric neurologist Children's Hospital of Michigan | LISTEN |
| May 4 |
Complementary Approaches to Seizure Management | Mohammad Poostizadeh, MD – epileptologist Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences |
LISTEN |
| June 1 |
Epilepsy and Physical Health |
Yanny Phillips, DO, PhD - epileptologist Bronson Neuroscience Center |
LISTEN |
| July 20 |
Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits | Sharon Rossiter - Disability/Social Security Advocate Disability Management |
LISTEN |
| August 3 |
Epilepsy Management in Women and Girls |
Basel Assaad, MD – epileptologist Henry Ford Health System |
LISTEN |
| September 7 |
Epilepsy Decisions: How to Make Informed Choices | Rachel Fabris, MD – epileptologist Spectrum Health |
LISTEN |
| November 2 |
Diagnosis and Management of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures |
Nicholas Beimer, MD – epileptologist Scott Winder, MD – psychiatrist Elissa Patterson, PhD – health psychologist Najda Robinson-Mayer, LMSW - clinical social worker University of Michigan Health System |
LISTEN |
2015
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | Register |
| February 4 |
Diagnosis & Treatment of Pediatric Epilepsy | Aimee Luat, MD - pediatric epileptologist Children's Hospital of Michigan |
LISTEN |
| March 4 |
Stress Management & Relaxation Techniques | Andrea Thomas, MA, LLP - psychologist Henry Ford Health System |
LISTEN |
| April 1 |
Residential Options for Adults with Epilepsy | Linda Brown - Housing Resource Consultant Community Housing Network |
LISTEN |
| June 3 |
EEG and the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit | Judy Ahn Ewing, R. EEG/EP T., CNIM, CLTM Amer Aboukasm, MD - epileptologist St. John Providence Health System |
LISTEN |
| July 1 |
Epilepsy Self-Management | Toya Malone, MD Bronson Neuroscience Center |
LISTEN |
| August 5 |
Epilepsy in Adolescents | Jules Constantinou, MD - pediatric epileptologist Henry Ford Health System |
LISTEN |
| September 2 |
Cognitive Function & Epilepsy | David Nyenhuis, PhD - neuropsychologist Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences |
LISTEN |
| October 7 |
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Epilepsy | Temenuzhka Mihaylova MD, PhD – epileptologist University of Michigan Health System |
LISTEN |
| December 2 |
Neurological Conditions Associated with Epilepsy | Ayman Haykal, MD – epileptologist Spectrum Health |
LISTEN |
2014
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | |
| February 12 | Epilepsy and Sleep | Linda Selwa, MD University of Michigan Health System |
LISTEN |
| March 5 | Seizure Types: Implications for Diagnosis and Management | Tyson Burghardt, MD Michigan State University |
LISTEN |
| April 2 | Attention, Executive Function, and Epilepsy | Christine Trask, PhD Rhode Island Hospital |
LISTEN |
| May 7 | Complementary Therapies for Epilepsy | Gregory Barkley, MD Henry Ford Health System |
LISTEN |
| June 4 | Mood Disorders and Epilepsy | Adriana Tanner, MD Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences |
LISTEN |
| July 9 | Epilepsy Treatment: Recent and Future Advances | Ayman Haykal, MD Spectrum Health |
LISTEN |
| September 3 | The Ketogenic Diet and Other Dietary Therapies for Epilepsy | Denise Potter, RD, CSP, CDE C.S. Mott Children's Hospital |
LISTEN |
| November 5 | Epilepsy: Beyond the Nervous System | Deepti Zutshi, MD Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center |
LISTEN |
| December 3 | Developmental Disabilities and Childhood Epilepsy | Iqbal Allarakhia, MD St. John Providence Health System |
LISTEN |
2013
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | |
| February 6 | Ask the Epileptologist | Yvan Tran, MD Hauenstein Neuroscience Center at St. Mary's Healthcare |
LISTEN |
| April 3 | Epilepsy: Understanding and Managing Risks | David Burdette, MD St. John Providence Health System |
LISTEN |
| May 1 | Neurostimulation-Based Therapies for Epilepsy | Andrew Zillgitt, DO Henry Ford Health System |
LISTEN |
| June 5 | Severe Childhood Epilepsy Syndromes | Rani Singh, MD University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital |
LISTEN |
| July 3 | Medications for Epilepsy | Toya Malone, MD Bronson Neuroscience Center |
LISTEN |
| August 7 | Understanding Epilepsy at the Cellular Level | Ruggero Serafini, MD, PhD Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University |
LISTEN |
| September 4 | Managing Challenging Behaviors in Kids With Epilepsy | Brad Bridges, LMSW - BRAINS, LLP Bea Castillo - Director, Camp Discovery |
LISTEN |
| October 2 | Epilepsy Diagnosis | Nikesh Ardeshna, MD Spectrum Health |
LISTEN |
| December 4 | Epilepsy Surgery: Risks and Benefits | Oren Sagher, MD University of Michigan Health System |
LISTEN |
2012
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | |
| February 1 |
Social Security Disability Benefits | Karen Starr, MS, CRC, SDA, CBIS, ADR STARR Disability Advocates, Inc |
LISTEN |
| March 7 |
Speak Up, Speak Out: Public Policy Advocacy for Epilepsy |
Bill Murphy, Epilepsy Foundation Arlene Gorelick, Epilepsy Foundation |
LISTEN |
| April 4 |
Epilepsy Surgery | Chaim Colen, MD, PhD Beaumont Health System |
LISTEN |
| May 2 |
Ask the Epileptologist | Aashit Shah, MD Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University |
LISTEN |
| July 11 |
Aging Well With Epilepsy | Adriana Tanner, MD St. Mary’s Health Care |
LISTEN |
| August 1 |
Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures | Andrea Thomas, MA, LLP Henry Ford Health System |
LISTEN |
| September 5 |
Transition Planning for Youth With Epilepsy | Tricia Luker and Calvin Luker The Respect ABILITY Law Center |
LISTEN |
| October 3 |
Medications for Epilepsy | Linda Selwa, MD University of Michigan Health System |
LISTEN |
| December 5 |
Assistive Technology for Cognition | Michael Wolff, PsyD, ABPdN BRAINS |
LISTEN |
The following Learn & Share Conference Calls from 2011 were recorded:
Diagnostic Tools for Epilepsy: From EEG to PET
Simon Glynn, MD - University of Michigan Health System
LISTEN
Epilepsy in the Teenage Years
A panel of young adults who dealt with epilepsy as teens
LISTEN
